King marks first World Interfaith Harmony Week

AMMAN (JT) ––– His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday underlined the country’s commitment to enhancing concepts of tolerance, love and coexistence among followers of different religions, stressing the important role places of worship play in entrenching the concepts.

King Abdullah made the remark during a meeting with several Jordanian Muslim and Christian leaders on the occasion of World Interfaith Harmony Week, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

In September last year, His Majesty proposed the launch of “World Interfaith Harmony Week” at the UN General Assembly, which adopted the initiative in October.

Reaffirming that “mutual understanding and inter-religious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace”, the UN General Assembly proclaimed “the first week of February of every year World Interfaith Harmony Week between all religions, faiths and beliefs”.

The week serves as a voluntary occasion for people to express their own religious teachings about tolerance, respect for others and peace, in hopes of bringing people together across the globe.

The King yesterday noted that the initiative started as part of the country’s efforts to build bridges of communication and correct misconceptions among followers of different religions to serve the interests of humankind, Petra reported.

The religious figures commended the Monarch’s efforts to promote tolerance and coexistence among worshipers of different faiths as well as his efforts to bring about a just and comprehensive peace in the region.

They also praised King Abdullah’s role in safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

HRH Prince Ghazi, the King’s special adviser and personal envoy, attended the meeting along with Royal Court Chief Nasser Lozi, according to Petra.